Art Department

Creativity… demands risk-taking rejects prevailing thoughts bubbles up from within spawns innovation follows no rules accepts mistakes begets creativity thrives at Oswego The Creative Arts programs at Oswego encompass a range of academic disciplines, including fine arts, music, theatre, film and creative writing. The work of faculty and alumni enrich the cultural environment of the

Black and white. Animalistic and humanistic. Public and private. Technique and passion. Professor Juan Perdiguero has manipulated opposing elements into a harmonious and satisfying life as an artist and a teacher. Using only paper towels, cotton swabs and his hands, he draws large-scale, lifelike images of mostly dogs and monkeys by wiping away black etching

In the fall, art department alumni spanning four decades shared their work and their stories in a special
exhibit at Tyler Hall.

Some 35 alumni artists were included in the first such show in nearly 20 years.

Commercial artists, teachers and children’s book illustrators were all represented. The exhibit included many New York pieces as well as imports from several states.

“It is by and large positive recognition of their time spent here,” said Michael Flanagan, assistant director of the Tyler Art Gallery. It’s also inspiration for current students, who got a flavor for the variety of careers artists can pursue.

The recognition came with much appreciation from artists like Mario Romano ’05, who wrote, “I look back at my undergraduate degree and I am thankful for the freedom I had to express what was necessary for me at that time.”